Ladies Should Listen
One of the earliest films to reveal the sophisticated charm that would soon define Cary Grant's legendary screen persona.
Editorial ratings
- Cary Grant
- Story
- Direction
- Cinematography
- Entertainment
- Historical importance
The switchboard operator in an apartment building falls in love with a businessman who lives in the building, whom she has gotten to know only over the phone. When she discovers that the man's current girlfriend is actually part of a scheme to swindle him out of some mineral rights he owns, she devises a plot to save him and expose the con artists.
Cary Grant plays Julian De Lussac, under the direction of Frank Tuttle, released in 1934.
Featured quote
“One of the earliest films in which Cary Grant's mature screen identity becomes unmistakably recognizable.”
Introduction
A sophisticated adaptation of Alfred Savoir's play that explores romance through telephone communication.
The Story
Telephone operator Anna secretly falls in love with Julian while helping him from behind the scenes. Anna Mirelle quietly helps Julian De Lussac, proving that empathy and understanding lead to lasting love.
Production & Behind the Scenes
Frank Tuttle emphasizes subtle performances while Paramount delivers polished production values.
Cary Grant's Performance
Grant's relaxed confidence and natural charm are clearly taking shape.
Frank Tuttle's Direction & Themes
Themes of communication, observation, selflessness, and technology as human connection.
Historical Context
A late Pre-Code romantic comedy that captures Grant's rapid artistic growth.
Legacy & Influence
A foundational film in the evolution of Cary Grant's legendary screen persona.
Gallery
Production & release
Late 1933
Development begins.
Development begins.
Early 1934
Principal photography.
Principal photography.
February 16, 1934
Release.
Release.
Mid-1934
Production Code enforcement begins.
Production Code enforcement begins.
1937–1938
Grant becomes an international star.
Grant becomes an international star.
Today
Recognized as a key transitional film.
Recognized as a key transitional film.
Cast.
Cary Grant as Julian De Lussac
Frances Drake as Anna Mirelle
Edward Everett Horton as Paul Vernet
Nydia Westman as Susi Flamberg
Rafael Corio as Ramon Cintos
Rosita Moreno as Marguerite Cintos
George Barbier as Joseph Flamberg
Full billed cast of Ladies Should Listen (1934).
Players in billing order, with the characters they play.
- Cary Grantas Julian De Lussac
- Frances Drakeas Anna Mirelle
- Edward Everett Hortonas Paul Vernet
- Nydia Westmanas Susi Flamberg
- Rafael Corioas Ramon Cintos
- Rosita Morenoas Marguerite Cintos
- George Barbieras Joseph Flamberg
- Charles Rayas Henri
- Charles Arntas Albert
- Ann Sheridanas Adele
- Henrietta Burnsideas Operator
- Joseph Northas Butler
Crew.
- Art DirectionHans Dreier
- Art DirectionErnst Fegté
- Costume DesignTravis Banton
- DirectorFrank Tuttle
- Director of PhotographyHenry Sharp
- Original Music ComposerTom Satterfield
- ProducerDouglas MacLean
- ScreenplayClaude Binyon
- ScreenplayFrank Butler
Players in common.
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